NYC removes rooftop zoning restrictions for solar, heat pump and electrification equipment

The "City of Yes" initiative, which takes effect Dec. 11, is expected to help facilitate environmentally friendly retrofits for over 50,000 buildings.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 11, 2023

Final SEC climate disclosure rule pushed to April 2024

The long-awaited timing update comes via the Biden administration’s regulatory agenda for next year, which also unveiled new timetables for other ESG-related proposals.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 7, 2023

Decarbonization strategies require corporate buy-in, USGBC says

While Inflation Reduction Act funding is a “key lever to decarbonization,” building owners, operators and occupants must do more to ensure that the U.S. reaches its Paris Agreement goals, the U.S. Green Building Council says.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 6, 2023

Existing building stock challenges decarbonization goals

Experts at an ASHRAE panel discussed the role of model codes, zero-energy codes and building performance standards in decarbonization, emphasizing solutions for effective energy and emissions management.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 5, 2023

IRS and Treasury propose clean energy investment tax credit updates

The proposed regulations would further define what qualifies as an ITC-eligible energy property and address Inflation Reduction Act-related wage and apprenticeship requirements.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 28, 2023

Without BPS compliance, owners risk reputational damage, lower revenue

As building performance standards gain momentum, properties could face several negative impacts if they fail to meet energy efficiency and decarbonization targets, a CBRE report finds.

By Joe Burns • Updated 2 hours ago

Boston ends efforts to ban fossil fuels in new buildings through state program

Mayor Wu said she received "clear indications" the city wouldn't be chosen for the Massachusetts program. Boston now plans to explore zoning changes and a home-rule petition.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 16, 2023

DOL’s proposed overtime rule change faces pushback

Commenters on the rule suggested the agency reduce the minimum increase threshold, delay the rule’s enactment or abandon it altogether.

By Emilie Shumway • Nov. 13, 2023

Accurate benchmarking data is critical to building performance standards: ASHRAE panel

Energy audits are important to ensuring buildings comply with standards, speakers said at ASHRAE’s Decarbonization Conference for the Built Environment.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 10, 2023

SEC commissioner suggests ‘re-proposing’ climate risk disclosure rule

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission "should do everything possible to not promulgate a rule that is costly and ineffective," Commissioner Mark Uyeda said.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 9, 2023

Poppy releases ventilation test kits, partners with Ainsworth

The kits and Poppy’s training and accreditation program aim to help owners and operators monitor air quality and prepare for tighter regulations based on the new ASHRAE standard.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 8, 2023

ASHRAE releases new guide on how grid interactivity can accelerate decarbonization

The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings, the organization says.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 2, 2023

Billions in deferred maintenance projects coming to US facilities

A nationwide push to address delayed upkeep on public buildings and infrastructure will create myriad opportunities for contractors, according to a consultant.

By Mary Scott Nabers • Oct. 26, 2023

Debate swirls at NYC hearing on proposed delays to building emissions enforcement

Participants weighed in on whether “good-faith efforts” toward compliance should delay penalties and whether renewable energy credits provide a worrisome loophole.

By Joe Burns • Updated Oct. 30, 2023

Microsoft leans on PPAs, energy efficiency, water recycling in environmental efforts

“Ensuring our buildings are energy efficient is a key first step in reducing emissions,” the tech giant said in its 2022 Environmental Report.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 23, 2023

How Google is decarbonizing its facilities

Smart temperature and lighting controls, power purchase agreements and building electrification are all being used by the tech giant to reduce scope 2 emissions.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 16, 2023

‘Empty’ federal buildings under scrutiny

Unused office space poses financial and environmental issues federal agencies must address, lawmakers from both parties said at a Senate committee hearing.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 9, 2023

Cyberattack against Johnson Controls sparks downstream concerns

Worries mounted quickly after the attack on the building automation and industrial control systems vendor, which works extensively with multiple federal agencies.

By Matt Kapko • Oct. 9, 2023

NY state concrete emission limits to take effect January 2025 are a US first

Over the next three to 15 months producers will need to invest in upgrading equipment, technology and methods to pursue environmental product declarations and reduce emissions, an industry leader said.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 6, 2023

Wisconsin Senate committee rejects commercial building code update

The proposal could have reduced energy use 30% across the state, saving residents and businesses more than $170 million, one proponent reported.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 4, 2023

California laws will require greenhouse gas emission, climate financial risk disclosures

The legislation, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Saturday, echoes some requirements of the SEC’s proposed climate risk disclosures for public companies.

By Nish Amarnath • Updated Oct. 9, 2023

LEED v5 draft from the US Green Building Council doubles down on decarbonization

The proposal for existing buildings would set new requirements to boost climate resilience, assess social impact and cut emissions from embodied carbon, refrigerants and transportation.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 2, 2023

Biden administration will define zero emissions for buildings

The definition will draw on energy-efficiency guidelines, 100% clean energy usage and a requirement for buildings to generate zero on-site emissions, White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi said.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 29, 2023

Canada Green Building Council introduces low-carbon training program for building operators, owners

The initiative seeks to meet a growing demand for skills in retrofits and construction as the country races to meet climate targets. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 28, 2023

Energy Department earmarks $400M for building energy codes

Codes that help buildings improve energy efficiency, save money, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency are the goal of the grant program, DOE says.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 22, 2023